For FA Girls' Football Week we are profiling a number of female role models with links to women's and girls' grassroots football in the county.  The aim is to inspire more females to take part and get involved in football, outlining the many opportunities in Cheshire.

In this edition we have a profile of Lindsay Carrington, winner of the 2016 national FA Volunteer of the Year award and club secretary of Upton JFC in Chester.

Lindsay Carrington Profile

Lindsay is an unstoppable force of nature, as club secretary she drives Upton JFC forward to achieve more for their players, coaches and parents.

In her four years at the club, player numbers from the under sixes to the under eighteens have topped the 400 mark, representing a 50% increase, making Upton the biggest Junior Football Club in Chester.

Lindsay's role is multi faceted and broad in scope, she registers 400 players per year, works with the Treasurer to manage £40K of turnover, coaches two under thirteen's teams in the Eastham and Chester Leagues, fundraises and organises an annual trip away for her players…the list is endless!

All this Lindsay manages with aplomb, a can-do positive attitude and a smile on her face.  She combines this busy volunteer role with her other responsibilities as a partner, mother and her job working in a local primary school, yet always makes time to do all the little things that make Upton JFC so special and unique for all involved.

Earlier in 2016 Lindsay was named Cheshire FA Volunteer of the Year before being named North-West Regional and then National winner of the award.

The award was presented to her at Wembley Stadium prior to the annual Community Shield match between League Champions, Leicester City and FA Cup winners Manchester United.

Lindsay said: "When I was told I would be receiving the award, it definitely overwhelmed me for a moment."

The day was even more special for Lindsay because her family were at her side to witness her receives the prestigious honour:

"We are a football mad family, and to go to Wembley is just fantastic and to have my three children there with me is just amazing.

"I know there are a lot of people like me out there who put a lot of hard work in and give up a lot of time, who are just as capable of winning it.

"I manage a number of teams and have a lot of roles and try to balance those roles equally. There is many of a moment where I am walking the dogs and just thinking what my next email is going to be!

Get Involved

For women interested in coaching, refereeing or volunteering you can submit your interest to us and we'll send you relevant information, to do so please click HERE.

If you would like more information about playing in women's or girls' football within Cheshire please download our guide by clicking HERE.